Recommendations:

Reference Intakes

Recommendations for pantothenic acid and biotin, as well as other nutrients, are provided in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) developed by the Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine. DRI is a term for a set of reference intakes that are used to plan and assess the nutrient intakes of healthy people. These values, which vary by age and gender, include:

• Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): average daily level of intake that is enough to meet the nutrient needs of nearly all (97 - 98%) healthy people.
• Adequate Intake (AI): established when there is not enough evidence to develop an RDA. It is set at a level that is thought to ensure enough nutrition.

Dietary Reference INtakes for pantothenic acid:

• Age 0-6 months: 1.7* milligrams per day (mg/day)
• Age 7-12 months 1.8* mg/day
• Age 1-3 years: 2* mg/day
• Age 4-8 years: 3* mg/day
• Age 9-13 years: 4* mg/day
• Age 14 and older: 5* mg/day

*Adequate Intake (AI)

Biotin:

• Age 0-6 months: 5* micrograms per day (mcg/day)
• Age 7-12 months: 6* mcg/day
• Age 1-3 years: 8* mcg/day
• Age 4-8 years: 12* mcg/day
• Age 9-13 years: 20* mcg/day
• Age 14 -18 years: 25* mcg/day
• 19 and older: 30* mcg/day

*Adequate Intake (AI)

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods.

Specific recommendations depend on age, gender, and other factors (such as pregnancy). Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding need higher amounts. Ask your health care provider which amount is best for you.